Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 42

──Tuesday, October 17, 2028

World Cup Asian Qualifiers: Round 4 (Away vs Bahrain)

Pre-match huddle.

A dry wind reminiscent of a sandstorm was swaying the grass on the pitch.

Kai said briefly.

“Concentrate. The weather and the atmosphere are both difficult today.”

“I know.”

Ren replied in a calm voice.

With that determination in mind, we will not let go of the initiative for the entire 90 minutes.

kick off.

From the beginning, Japan showed its true colors as a dominant team.

Possession in midfield.

Kusaka and Ren switched places and pushed between the lines,

Kai sets the tempo from behind.

In the midst of all this, Ren controlled the game as if he were “breathing.”

22 minutes into the first half.

Ando passes the ball to Ren on the right side.

As you trap the ball, look to the opposite side.

A diagonal ground pass to Mihara, who was completely behind the defense.

“Nice!”

Mihara runs in and calmly puts the ball into the goal.

1-0. Japan takes the lead.

Five minutes later.

This time, Ren evaded the defender with a one-two pass with Hisaka and took a mid-range shot.

Onizuka scored an additional goal by following up on the ball that was deflected by the goalkeeper.

2-0.

When the atmosphere of the match becomes completely Japanese,

In the second half, their defensive focus and composure stood out.

The CB duo of Tomita and Takaguchi accurately deflected the ball,

Kai covers a wide area in front of him.

Ren doesn’t hold the ball too much, depending on the situation.

He controlled the flow of the game with just one or two touches.

And towards the end, Ise, who came in as a substitute,

A one-two with Ren got behind the defense and sealed the win with the third goal.

3-0. It was a complete victory.

After the match, there was a huge round of applause from the local Japanese supporters.

Among them, Ren took a step back.

(I don’t stand out. But I’m always there.)

He was aware that he was definitely at the heart of the pitch as a “quietly dominant presence.”

In the media room after the game.

The director answers questions from reporters.

“Naoe’s stability is outstanding.”

“Having him there gives the team peace of mind.

He is one of the most indispensable players for Japan right now.”

That night.

Hotel lobby. Ren was sitting on the sofa, looking at his tablet.

Onizuka sat down next to him.

“Four wins in a row. Finally, I can see the light.”

Ren laughs slightly.

“But… the real thing is still a while away.”

“You’ve changed.

If you’re like this now, you can take center stage even during the real thing.”

Ren bowed his head slightly at those words.

The world is approaching…

It was a step that made me realize that.)